Blog Tour: Love at First Slight

I am super excited to be a stop on the blog tour Jakki put together for J Marie Croft's new book Love at First Slight! Click on the banner above to see the full schedule, and check out my review below.

Love at First Slight
J Marie Croft
Meryton Press, 2013

This is one of those books that is just plain fun. Croft took the familiar and beloved tale of Pride and Prejudice, and gave it a fresh new update that is sure to make you laugh out loud. (I did, the cats were frightened). She keeps the original context, it's a historical, Regency novel - and the key scenes definitely do happen. You know, important stuff like the ill-fated first encounter at the Assembly, and a visit to Rosings Park - not to mention the surprise encounter on Pemberley's grounds. But everything plays out with an entertaining flair and a whole new flavor. You see, all the gender roles have been reversed in Croft's rendition.

Admittedly, it's a little unusual at first glance: No Mr Darcy! But once you start reading, and the five Bennett brothers take over, it works. Our Darcy is now Elizabeth - a much sought-after heiress with a fortune beyond belief. Her starcrossed lover is the middle Bennett brother, William. (He. Is. Awesome. Also a reverend). Mr Bennett is prone to nervous complaints and has an urgent need to marry off his five sons to rich wives. It is Casper Bingley who is after Miss Elizabeth Darcy, and his sister Jane - a wealthy widow - catches the attention of Charles Bennett. Mr Collins is himself, however he has a sister who is ... a force to be reckoned with. And then there is Sir de Bourgh and his sickly son Andrew. Seriously, this gender-switching works so much better than I'd have expected - and the added hilarity of knowing these characters as other characters amplifies the fun.

The story itself follows the pattern of the familiar original -there are misunderstandings, bad decisions, rash words, fierce encounters. With the different gender roles, the way things play out at the end is a little different, but I found it refreshing and not un-Jane. I love Lizzy, and really, really love Will Bennett. At times irreverent, always carefully fun and light, this is definitely a worthy addition to the Austenesque collection.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Blog Tour: Blackmoore

Today I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you a review of Julianne Donaldson's latest release Blackmoore. You may remember when I reviewed her debut Edenbrooke last year; I am very happy to say that Blackmoore is every bit as amazing. If not better.

Kate Worthington knows she can never have her heart’s desire and so believes she will never marry. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore on the cliffs above the seashore, where she must face the truth and the man that has kept her heart captive.

Set in northern England, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn to follow her heart. With hints of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, Blackmoore is a page-turning tale of romance, intrigue and devotion.

Check out my review below, and then click the banner to see what others think!

Blackmoore
Julianne Donaldson
Shadow Mountain, 2013

Kate Worthington is many things, but she is not like her mother and sisters. The women in her family have an ill-gotten legacy of scandal, and even though their mistakes have cost her everything her heart desires, Kate is determined to break the tradition. She's forsworn marriage - and love - and seeks only to escape to India with her spinster aunt. After a long-desired visit to Blackmoore, of course. Blackmoore is the ancestral home, and future inheritance, of Kate's best friend Henry Delafield. Kate's plans are not her mother's plans however, and Kate quickly discovers just how far her mother is willing to push her to get her own way. Even as she seems to escape easily - agreeing to obtain (and reject) three proposals of marriage while at Blackmoore, thus earning the trip to India - Kate is sucked deeper into a vortex she cannot escape. She is forced to confront her own demons, all her hidden secrets, opening her heart up to searing pain and losing everything precious all over again. Blackmoore was supposed to be a dream come true, but it feels more like a nightmare to Kate.

I loved this book. Loved this book. I love Kate, and her struggles - she's trying so hard to keep herself from hurting, to break the mold of her family. She's fighting so hard that she gets a little lost, and that's a feeling I can relate to myself. But she is a fighter, so she's going to make it - you know she is, one way or another - and you root for her, and cringe and cheer for her by turns. And then there's Henry. Oh stars, but is there Henry. He's the perfect boy-next-door best friend, but he's also ... well, Henry. The heir of Blackmoore. A gentleman. Someone Kate has known and loved her whole life, and so, so much more. He's fighting too, fighting to be true to himself and understand the struggles that are sending Kate into the wild dangers of India. Their individual stories are so closely intertwined ...

Donaldson does a masterful job of weaving in the backstory, as Kate - and Henry - get brave enough to look back into the past, we experience it through their memories. Each "flashback" adds depth to the "present" story, and isn't distracting or confusing the way they can be at times. And the characters, oh the color and breath in the characters. I just ... You've got to read this. It's a Regency story with spunk and flair and surprises that will take your breath away.

ARC provided by publisher for review.

About the Author
Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing about distant times and places. She lives in Utah with her husband and four children.
Like Julianne on facebook!

The Fairest Beauty

The Fairest Beauty
Melanie Dickerson
Zondervan, 2013

I could swear I wrote and posted this review (I even remembering going back and changing the name, because I wrote it as "Sophia" half the time and "Sophie" the other half, grrr), but when I was updating my "Year's Links" page (the one that goes up in January, showcasing the year at a glance), I realized it wasn't even on that list. Oops! Not sure how that happened, but better late than never, right?

The Fairest Beauty is a semi-sequel to The Healer's Apprentice, in that it features the son(s) of Wilhelm and his Rose. While the "star" of the story is the mysterious beauty Sophie, who has no idea of her true identity or that she's bethrothed to Valten, I felt like it was as much Gabe's story. If not more. (Possibly I fell a little in love with him ...) When a dying old woman appears on the doorstep of Hagenheim Castle, claiming the long-thought-dead daughter and heiress of an also-thought-dead Duke, who happens to be the bethrothed of Valten, is really alive and in mortal danger, Wilhelm and Company form a plan of rescue. Unfortunately, Valten is laid up with a broken leg and the plan cannot be put in action until he's healed. So Gabe decides to just sneak away and rescue Sophie himself. Because everyone is always flaunting Valten's valiance, and Gabe feels forgotten and misunderstood. Or something. His rescue begins as an act of familial rebellion, but turns into so much more once he meets Sophie - and Duchess Ermengard.

What happens next is fairly standard "Snow White" fare: they run away from the "wicked witch" and find refuge in The Cottage of the Seven, wherein seven "outcasts" demonstrate amazing love and acceptance, hiding and healing Sophie and Gabe. But the witch finds them, attempts to destroy the happy hideaway, and meets an unfortunate demise. The story is basic and familiar. The characters, and historical (rather than fantasy) setting, make it breathe. Sophie is, admittedly, a little "too perfect" -- but she's Snow White, who is perhaps one of the most painfully perfect princesses in fairy tale-land. She does however have the very human quality of doubt; all her life she's been belittled and lied to, and for her to grow to accept the truths surrounding her is a HUGE thing. Gabe and the Seven play a large role in this transformation, and Sophie is a more likeable version of Snow White than most. Now, Gabe. Oh Gabe ... He's headstrong, impetuous and stubborn. He fights first, asks questions later, and is a general, all-around Dude. I love him. And I love that so much of this story is the story of his transformation and growth. He matures and develops into quite the perfect "Prince Charming," but still seems so ... real.

A lovely addition to Dickerson's fairy tale series, and quite possibly my favorite offering so far. I'm also very intrigued by the upcoming release The Captive Maiden, which will star Valten.

Book provided by author for review.

The Movement of Stars

The Movement of Stars
Amy Brill
Riverhead, 2013

Please take a moment and soak in that cover. It's stunningly simple. It's beautiful, reservedly elegant. And so, so fitting.

Hannah Price is unique. Even as she outwardly follows the principles of her strait-laced Quaker community in Nantucket, she is straining against their limitations. Her heart is in the stars, obsessively searching for a comet to call her own and win the King of Denmark's medal. Rather than trying to become a "good catch" and transition into wife-and-motherhood, Hannah spends her days in the Atheneum (basically a library), and her nights watching the skies and assisting with her father's repair business (servicing navigational instruments for whalers). If she is a bit "unconventional," it is okay -- as long as she maintains the pretense of adherence, the community will mostly accept Hannah's quirks. Until she starts teaching a young whaler-sailor from the Azores. Isaac Martin is unlike anyone Hannah has ever met, and as their secret lessons continue, he not only stretches her mind - he opens her heart, in ways Hannah never thought possible. As Hannah stretches, she begins to question: herself, her family, the whole Quaker community. The answers are sometimes surprising, but as she gains a clearer picture of Life, Hannah grows. Even after Isaac leaves, and the formal "lessons" end, Hannah keeps searching for truth. Not the accepted truth of her people, or her past, but the truth that will propel her into the future.

The Movement of Stars is a beautiful story of personal growth, and the importance of asking your own questions. With careful historical context, and just enough astronomical history to make this spacegirl happy, it's an engrossing read that makes me want to find out more about Maria Mitchell, the real-life American astronomer who inspired the story.

Book provided by my public library.

Strands of Bronze and Gold

 Strands of Bronze and Gold
Jane Nickerson
Random House, 2013

First, a confession: I've never heard of (let alone read) "The Bluebeard fairy tale," so I went into this reading with no background knowledge. At all. I only knew it was a fairy tale retelling, set in the antebellum Deep South, and that cover is absolutely gorgeous. So. Now you know.

This story ... oh man ... it's sweeping. It's isolated. It's dramatic. It's simple. It's ... well. Yeah. (I should probably also confess I read the bulk of this under influence of low-grade fever, waiting for the first dose of antibiotics to kick in and start kicking germ butt. Therefore, if anything totally oddball pops into the review, you know where it came from, ha).

Following the death of her father, Sophia Petheram's world is flipped upside down when her godfather - the mysterious, and exceedingly wealthy, Frenchman Bernard de Cressac, who is also now her guardian - invites her to come live at Wyndriven Abbey in a remote area of Mississippi. Adjusting to the sultry, heavy heat of Mississippi after a lifetime in Boston is Sophie's greatest challenge. At first. Monsieur Bernard is all doting kindness, showering her with gifts and delighting her with tales of his exotic travels. There's a wild, ancient beauty to the Abbey and surrounding countryside, and Sophia is happy. Then ... loneliness and isolation start creeping in. Dark mysteries of the Abby's previous inhabitants start infiltrating the carefully guarded mystique. And Sophie begins to see that Monsieur Bernard has as much darkness (if not more) in his soul as he does fanciful light. After months of rising tension and struggles, everything comes to a shocking conclusion -- rocking Sophie's world to its core once again.

The careful "world-building" in Strands of Bronze and Gold was mesmerizing. I use the term loosely, since it's not a fantasy world - the setting is our own past, the antebellum Deep South. But it's got a foreign touch, thanks to the eccentric habits of Bernard. And it's an entirely new and foreign life for Sophie, adjusting to slaves and servants and great wealth - and all the expectations and encumbrances that wealth entails. There's a fairly extensive cast of supporting characters, who help guide Sophie through the story, but the spotlight is clearly on Sophie and Bernard. Their interactions, and Sophie's gradual transformation from isolated, naive girl to a wiser, perhaps even fiercer, young lady who takes her destiny into her own hands, create an intense narrative and engrossing story.

Book provided by my public library.

Summerset Abbey (double review)

Since I read these back-to-back, and the story flows so easily from book to book, I'm pairing my reviews.

Summerset Abbey
TJ Brown
Gallery Books, 2013

(Quick commentary: While I love this cover, and that dress is striking, it is like nothing worn by any of the characters during the course of the novel. Just saying...)

Edwardian England. Not an era I know a lot about, but that didn't come close to detracting from my enjoyment of the story of three young ladies who are not your typical Edwardian society girls. Rowena and Victoria Buxton, and their might-as-well-be-sister Prudence Tate, have just been moved from their cozy London home to the sprawling family estate - Summerset Abbey - to live with their aunt and uncle (the Earl of Summerset), following the death of their father. Sir Phillip raised the girls to be educated, outspoken, and not bound by the rigid rules of society. In stark contrast, Aunt Charlotte is a stickler for society's boundaries, and the girls find themselves in a world that tests their faith - in each other.

Filled with details of an elegant, bygone era (teas, and dances, and the clothes!, oh my) teetering on the cusp of modernity, Summerset Abbey is a tale of both the changing times as a whole, and the personal development of three very different girls. The characters are well drawn, and the tensions and chemistry/interactions are so true-to-life. While Rowena's listlessness and apathy got a bit on my nerves, Prudence's struggle to find her place and Victoria's passionate outspokeness won my interest. There are multiple storylines going on, but not so many that it gets confusing. It made me think of big family gatherings, where everyone is talking at once, trying to get everybody caught up on everything that's happened. But with grace and elegance, of course. Not a bad beginning for what I hope turns out to be a great historical trilogy.

Book provided by my local library.

Summerset Abbey: A Bloom in Winter
TJ Brown
Gallery Books, 2013

(Again: Stunning dress and cover, but not exactly fitting the story. Ah well.)

Picking up not long after Summerset Abbey leaves off, the stories of Rowena, Victoria and Prudence continue to develop - and complicate. Rowena finally gets interesting (ha), and finds herself with a "fake" engagement. Victoria turns her spunk into secretive daring, and almost gets herself killed in the process. And Prudence, ah Prudence, struggling to figure out who she is and where she belongs - her heart finally finds a sense of peace.

A Bloom in Winter feels more historical somehow, with a greater blend of Society functions and looking at what's going on in terms of changing times. Victoria's work with the suffragettes brings to light hidden working aspects of the world, as well as demonstrating that sometimes peoples' passions carry too far. Rowena begins coming to terms with her place IN Society - she was born to a certain role and position, and while she can have ideals and hopes to make changes, she will do so much better from within her elite position. They're growing up, and in doing so becoming more dimensional - and understanding. As before, the entire cast of characters are interesting and dynamic -- I especially love Kit -- and the setting is so elegantly foreign. An enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing how the trilogy concludes later this year.

Book provided by my local library.

Blog Tour: Bitter Greens

Today I am absolutely thrilled to be a stop on the Bitter Greens blog tour hosted by the wonderful Amy over at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours! This has been on my wishlist since the initial release date in Australia last year, and when Amy offered me the opportunity to join the tour -- oh giddy gumdrops. After you read my review below, click the banner above to check out the complete tour schedule. And swing back by tomorrow for some Q&A with Kate Forsyth!

Bitter Greens
Kate Forsyth
Allison & Busby, 2013 (UK publication)

Most of us fairytale nuts are familiar with 'Rapunzel,' but if you're anything like me you have a tendency to think more along the lines of carefree whimsy (think Tangled). Bitter Greens is an intricate retelling of Rapunzel's story, weaving it into a historical context that makes the familiar tradition live and breathe in unexpected ways. This is a fairytale for adults and historical fiction lovers.

Charlotte-Rose has been exiled from the court of the Sun King, sentenced to finish out her days in a nunnery after losing the favor of Louis XIV. Fighting violently against her new life, Charlotte-Rose finds she can no longer ignore her memories or run from her past. Her story is one of heartache and lost love, missed opportunities and the fickle gaiety of court. It's lush and extravagant, yet also threadbare and built upon a fragile base of shifting allegiances. At the nunnery, Charlotte-Rose meets a nun - Sœur Seraphina - who extends a hand of mercy and friendship, and offers a welcome distraction from her troubles. The story Sœur Seraphina tells is a strangely fascinating one to Charlotte-Rose, about a beautiful young Venetian girl, Margherita, stolen from her parents by a strega - a witch - and locked away in a convent. When the strega comes back for Margherita (whom she calls Petrisonella), she whisks her away to a remote tower, sewing a strange, abnormally long collection of hair into Margherita's own bronze locks. And so begins the Rapunzel story.

Forsyth does a masterful job of weaving Margherita's story into that of Charlotte-Rose, even working in a piece that addresses the history of the strega - Selena - who has a fascinating story of her own. Rich in historical detail and intricately-fleshed out characters, Bitter Greens gives new insight into several different historical periods, and is a testament to the power of Love. It's a beautiful retelling of a classic fairytale, with raw, rough emotions and just enough "harsh reality" to make the story strong, believable. The connections between the three, stunningly different women -- it's masterfully written. Worth the wait.

Book provided by publisher for review.

All Things New

All Things New
Lynn Austin
Bethany House, 2012

Normally, the Reconstruction period is not my favorite (perhaps because I had a particularly Reconstruction-obsessed prof for that course), but All Things New is a take on things that I really appreciated. Beginning just as the Civil War is ending, and Richmond is falling, we see the toll the War has taken on the Weatherly family. This dramatic shift in fortune is made even clearer when they return to their beloved home plantation, and struggle to make ends meet in this new way of living.

What I really liked about Austin's handling of a less-than-prefered time period is that in All Things New, she really is focusing on the new beginnings. How hard it must have been to know only one way of life -- for both the white plantation owners and their newly-freed slaves -- and suddenly have that lifestyle end. Just like that. The adjustment process would have been even more difficult when compounded with the huge losses people suffered during the Civil War. These very real struggles are realistically portrayed, as well as the inner struggles of the main characters. Getting to watch Josephine sort through all her own prejudices and mindsets, dealing with her griefs any way she can, and fighting for the right to recover and start again in her own way -- her story is real, and at times raw. She's human, very human. And that same humanness is seen in the other characters as well: Austin has a wonderfully created cast.

All in all, I finished this book wishing more Reconstruction texts were this interesting, and handled things in a way that focuses so much on the human heart, human recovery, human existence side of things rather than fighting to keep everything politicized (and yes, I know this is fiction. But still.).

ARC provided by publisher for review.

Loving Miss Darcy

Loving Miss Darcy
Nancy Kelley
Smokey Rose Press, 2013

Remember the totally awesome Austenesque novel, His Good Opinion, that told us Darcy's side of the story? And remember how throughout that novel, you picked up on threads of something rather interesting as relates to Colonel Fitzwilliam? Well, Nancy Kelley had mercy on us and told his story. Although it's also Georgiana's story. And, curses, it also sets us up for another waiting-interval, until someone else's story is ready for the world. (Don't you hate when an author creates characters you don't want to leave?)

Loving Miss Darcy picks up a bit after His Good Opinion ends -- the Darcys are happily ensconced in married life at Pemberley, and Georgiana has blossomed into a glowing young lady ready for her Season. Col. Fitzwilliam - Richard - and Darcy are uncertain about their personal preparedness for said Season, but enter into the planning with all the good interfering intentions of proper guardians. Georgiana herself is nervous and anxious about the Season, but having Kitty Bennett along for the adventure helps. Things seem to be settling into a happy - and successful - pattern, especially once Georgiana realizes she doesn't have to marry any of the young men she meets: her brother will allow her to follow her heart in this case. Meanwhile, as the parties and gaiety continue, both Richard and Georgiana start to uncover the hidden truths behind their reluctance and resistance to the changes wrought by the Season. And then the real intrigue starts, and all is placed in great risk by a circulating rumor. But who has such a malicious intent to ruin not only Georgiana Darcy, but also to injure her guardians? Who indeed ... Did not expect that little plot twist!

A quick, delightful read that feels "true to Jane" in continuing the story of some of literature's most beloved characters, Loving Miss Darcy was thoroughly satisfying. Minus the whole "now I have to wait to find out about [female character] and [male character]"-bit. I have it on good authority however, that Nancy is working on the next installment, and it promises to be worth the wait. (If you really want to know, you can check out her website. But it's more fun if you read the existing books first and then indulge your curiosity).

eARC provided by author for review.

Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue
Lisa Maliga
2012

When a young woman from a quiet Midwestern towns saves for years to leave behind her job and humdrum existence to chase a dream across The Pond, you know you have good story fodder on your hands. Especially when the dream being chased is a famous (infamous?) actor - whose handsome face and dreamy voice rescued her from a teenage slump and inspired an all-consuming passion. That the woman meets the actor, coming face to face with her desired idol, is expected. What happens next? Not quite.

Out of the Blue traces the journey of Sylvia Gardner, a young woman from Illinois who risks everything to track down Alexander Thorpe in an out-of-the-way town in England. The premise is an intriguing one, but the novel itself wasn't all I hoped it'd be. I had a hard time connecting with Sylvia -- truthfully, I wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled and she woke up. Towards the end, I liked her better, she had more presence as a person and character. But that didn't come until really close to the end, and for the bulk of the read she frustrated me. Alexander also changes from the beginning to the end, though his 'journey' of transformation is not as documented nor understood. We get to know their flawed selves so well (too well?) at the beginning, so at the end, when they realize they've changed it's a bit abrupt. I did find myself liking the side characters, especially Phoebe, and would have liked to see them play a bigger role in the story. I think they could have helped flesh out the process, and sped the tempo up a bit.

While Out of the Blue wasn't quite for me, if it intrigues you - give a go! We all have different tastes, and that's what makes the reading world so fun. If you read it, let me know what you think -- maybe you'll pick up on something I missed.

eARC provided by author for review.

Blog Tour: All for a Song

Today, I'm happy to host my first blog tour stop of 2013! Tyndale House is promoting a wonderful new release - All for a Song - and I'm pleased to provide a review of the book and a little Q&A with author Allison Pittman. Enjoy!

All for a Song
Allison Pittman
Tyndale House, 2013

All for a Song is a story told on two levels: it opens with the 107th birthday of "Miss Lynnie", in a nursing home, and the story of her day and experience is interspersed throughout the novel, weaving in and out of Miss Lynnie's past. The life of Dorothy Lynn, a young woman coming of age in the 1920s, comprises the majority of the novel, and what a story it is. Dorothy is a preacher's daughter, destined to marry her late father's replacement, and settle in "for keeps" in her quiet hometown of Heron's Nest. But Dorothy has a secret yearning, an itch, a bit of wanderlust -- and when a chance encounter with handsome Ronald Lundi, manager of Aimee Semple McPherson's crusade, offers her the chance to scratch that itch and spread her wings, she takes flight.

Traveling with Sister Aimee and her crusading caravan, Dorothy is exposed to whole new ways of life, both in terms of 'secular' and religious experiences. As she struggles to reconcile her new experiences - and desires - with her background and beliefs, Dorothy stretches and grows. And discovers that what she really wants in life has been right in front of her all along. The cross-country, boundary-stretching journey just helped clarify her vision. So how does the story of Dorothy Lynn interweave with that of Miss Lynnie? Better than you'd expect, and together they form a beautifully complete portrait of growing up, living life, and discovering all the "Love" really means. To think, a whole life shaped and molded, for a song.

Rich - but not overwhelming - in historical detail, All for a Song is both the story of one young woman, and a glimpse of a part of church history I was unfamiliar with. Seeing the struggle to balance culture and society with an expanding sense of Christianity was a read that I think will also resonate with today's environment. Beautifully written, and featuring a cast of colorful characters, All for a Song is a must-read.

Book provided by publisher for review.

And now for a little Q&A with Allison!

Tell me about your main character Dorothy Lynn. Was her character based upon anyone in particular?
The young Dorothy Lynn, no, not really—not beyond any other singer/songwriter out there. She’s a young woman with a message and a voice, so maybe she’s a mash-up of every musician I know. The older Dorothy Lynn, Miss Lynnie, is somewhat based on the mother of a friend of mine. His mother went to be with the Lord while I was in the final stages of writing this novel, and at her funeral, I learned that she had a stroke years before her passing, during which she had a glimpse of Heaven, and had spent her intervening years longing to return. I remember going home from that celebration of her life and re-writing just about every Breath of Angels scene, incorporating that into Dorothy Lynn’s story. It was exactly what the story needed, and brought about a depth I couldn’t have imagined in the initial draft.

Although this novel is set in the 1920s, how does Dorothy Lynn’s story still resonate today?
The world today wants nothing more than to entice young women to exploit themselves in some way, and the enemy wants nothing more than to make us think that we are beyond redemption. We all make stupid, thoughtless, reckless decisions; we all get ourselves into such unbelievably embarrassing messes; we all disappoint our loved ones. The world tells you to move on; God tells you to go back.

As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?
Oh, my goodness. As a historical writer, I loved the time period—that sort of new, innocent fumbling with innovations of the time. One of my favorite scenes was when the 107-year-old Dorothy Lynn experiences her first iPad. (By the way, I had to make her that old in order to make all the history “fit.” I spent every day for a month watching the Willard Scott segment on the Today show making sure that her age would be believable. Wouldn’t you know? Every week there’s somebody that tops the 105th birthday!)

How has this novel helped you to grow as a storyteller?
My tendency (a very purposeful one) is to leave my stories with a bit of an “unfinished” edge. I like my characters to leave the page on the cusp of fulfillment, so that my readers can have the pleasure of imagining those final, satisfying moments. A good friend (and, coincidentally a fan) of mine said, “I love your books. I hate your endings. I’m just going to have to accept that this is what an Allison Pittman story does.” So—how fun was this to write the most definitive ending, ever! To open a story on the last day of a character’s life—so totally new for me.

Blog Tour: Romance in the Rain + Extras

Today, I've got a post that is packed with good stuff! And, fair warning, it's quite possibly the longest post I've ever posted -- but it's worth it. As part of Romantic Maidens' blog tour for a new anthology Romance in the Rain, I've got a review, a guest post, and some pretty neat tour-wide giveaways for you. See? Perfect way to start a Monday!

Since there's so much going on, I'd suggest sitting back and getting comfy, maybe even grab a hot drink, and reading your way through. I'm not going to feature summaries of the stories in my review, since the official media kit does such an amazing job ((and includes excerpts!)), so make sure you read everything. And don't forget to enter the giveaways!

Title: Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology)

Authors: Kristine Cayne, Dawn Kravagna, Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw, Clare Tisdale, Marianne Stillings

Publisher: Kristine Cayne

Release Date: October 15, 2012

Pages: 360

Buy Link: Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Blurb:

From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell—By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him. (22,000 words)

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who's already taken the life of Charlie's best friend. (17,000 words)

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her--and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect? (17,000 words)

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for. (21,000 words)

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good? (24, 000 words)

RAINY DAY WRITERS

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.

Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

For more information on Romance in the Rain and the Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com

Romance in the Rain Excerpts

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell

After telling the dog to stay, he steered her away from the Jensens’ cabin, towards the woods to the south. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Giving me the time of day. You were gone for such a long while, I wasn’t certain you’d come back.”

“I had to fight my better judgment.”

James laughed. He couldn’t put on airs around Mattie if he tried.

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings

"You were there." Caldwell's voice was quiet as though he were speaking to a timid child. He took a step toward her. "You saw it, didn't you. Didn't you, Charlie?" Another step. And another. Suddenly, he was standing before her and she was standing, too, and his arms came around her as she pressed her head against his strong shoulder and for the first time in a year, she felt safe. Safe enough to relive the agony—and let it go. Safe enough to let someone be strong—so she could be weak. Safe enough—to cry.

And so she did. 

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw

"Somehow I can’t picture you as a nerd.” You’re too perfect, Ivy silently added, fingering the amulet at her throat.  It hummed under her fingertips as the vendor’s words skated across her mind: If you truly want to find the perfect man, and restore your faith in true love, then this necklace will be your good luck talisman.” She dropped her hand, shaking off the crazy notion. It was merely a coincidence that she wished to meet the man of her dreams and Sam showed up. The necklace had nothing to do with it. Right?"

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale

A shadow crossed the window, and JD looked up in time to see a seagull fly by. Beyond the downtown high rises,  the waters of the Puget Sound lay brooding, glazed by morning mist. Much as JD hated starting over again, he realized that if he had to, he'd rather do it here than anywhere else. Seattle was his home; he belonged here.  Maya and her beach house had helped confirm that for him.

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne

Adrenaline surging through her system, Erica hung onto the doorjamb as the quake rocked the old courthouse. The building swayed and groaned, windows rattled and shattered as the earth continued to tremble. Cracks raced across the ceiling and plaster dust showered down, covering everything in a thin white film. She’d lived in Seattle all her life but had never experienced a quake as powerful as this one.

And her daughter was all alone.

My Review:
I have a growing affection for anthologies, especially when there's a central connecting thread. Romance in the Rain traces one family as it grows, expands, experiences history and has life-changing encounters with romance. (And the nifty family trees at the end of every story help keep things straight.) From the blurbs and excerpts above, you can tell there's a lot of very different ground covered in the individual stories, but they all link together and are concise stories that explore the deepest - and simplest - facets of human emotions. They'll make you laugh, make you cringe, make you sigh. They may technically be short stories, but there each has a lot of punch on its own -- and when taken together, as part of a "family history" of sorts? Yeah, good stuff. And all of the writing styles work well together, especially since the range of stories are taking place over a span of time, the changes in voice work - adding context and depth to the overall idea. Definitely an anthology that can be viewed as the sum of its parts.

eBook provided by authors for review.

In the spirit of rainy weather, I am now turning the blog over to Marianne Stillings, who is going to share her Top 10 Rainy Day Reads/Movies.

When it comes to rainy days—weather designed for snuggling up with a good book or settling down to a favorite movie—the Northwest offers more than your average share of opportunities. Though I'm an author and I love books, I have to be honest and say that, when it comes to stormy afternoons, I'll invariably choose a movie.
There are two reasons for this: 1) Since I like to crochet, quilt, and embroider, my hands can't hold a book and a needle and thread (or crochet hook and yarn) at the same time; and 2) I love love love old movies—especially British mysteries—and enjoy them even more when I'm cozy and warm inside, while outside, the wind howls and fat raindrops pound the roof and windows.
So without further ado, here are my top ten rainy day movies, in no particular order:

• AND THEN THERE WERE NONE – 1945 – Based on Agatha Christie's novel of the same name. An old-fashioned keeps-you-guessing whodunit!
• THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR – 1947 – Great story and very romantic.
• Any HERCULE POIROT TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's novels, starring the absolutely perfect David Suchet as Poirot. And the period costumes and cars are to die for.
• Any MIDSOMER MURDERS episode – Produced by BBC, these are complicated murder mysteries that'll keep you guessing.
• LOVE ACTUALLY – 2003 – A beautiful examination of every type of love, I love it (actually) more and more every time I see it.
• THE GREAT RACE – 1965 – Fun, funny, feisty, and romantic. I first saw it when I was in high school and have loved it ever since.
• Any FOYLE'S WAR episode – BBC miniseries based on the novels of Caroline Graham. These Brit whodunits take place in WWII England. Love the period clothing, cars, and well-crafted and complex murder mysteries.
• DOWNTON ABBEY – Do I really need to explain this one?
• SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS – 1954 – Energetic musical, fantastic and athletic dance numbers, charming romance(s). Who could ask for more?
• PRIDE & PREJUDICE – Either the 1995 miniseries with Colin Firth or the 2005 movie with Keira Knightly. Each are fabulous in their own way. The 1995 version, being longer, offers more detail, but the 2005 film is well written and beautifully filmed. Both are intelligently done and very romantic.

Thanks, Marianne! Some of those are on my favorites list as well, and others I may have to look into.

And now, here are the necessary links and details for the tour giveaways. Best of luck, and thanks for stopping by today!

All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

Giveaway for US residents only.

Grand Prize:

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Obsession + SWAG

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Addiction + SWAG

- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, by Julia Quinn (autographed copy)

- Blood Trinity, by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

- 1 e-book copy of “Falling Angel” by Clare Tisdale

- 1 handmade shell necklace by Clare Tisdale

- A handmade afghan crocheted by Marianne Stillings

- 1 autographed copy of AROUSING SUSPICIONS

- 1 autographed copy of SATISFACTION

- 1 autographed copy of KILLER CHARMS

- 1 bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates

- 3 chocolate bars from Seattle Chocolates

- $15 Starbucks gift card

- 1 autographed copy of Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl by Dawn Kravagna

Prize #5: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Accidental Cinderella, by Nancy Robards Thompson

- 1 print copy Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels, by Sarah Wendell

Prize #6: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy The Angel in My Arms, by Stephanie Sloane

- 1 print copy The Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden and Susan Fox (autographed by Susan Fox)

Prize #7: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Tsunami Blue, by Gayle Ann Williams

- 1 print copy A Tale of Two Demon Slayers, by Angie Fox (autographed copy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for both US and International residents.
Prize #1:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

Prize #2:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

 - 1 ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan

- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline Linden

- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction

- $10 Amazon or B&N giftcard

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Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

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